Aerosol-generating devices

ABSTRACT

An aerosol-generating device comprises a device housing comprising a first receiving chamber configured to receive and accommodate a first consumable and a second receiving chamber configured to receive and accommodate a second consumable. The device further comprises a power source in an internal space defined by the device housing and a controller configured to control aerosolization of an aerosol-forming substrate in a consumable in one of the first receiving chamber and in the second receiving chamber. At least the second receiving chamber includes electrical contacts configured to be detachably connected to a battery based on the separate power source being in the second receiving chamber such that the electrical contacts provide additional power from the separate power source to the aerosol-generating device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to,international application no. PCT/EP2018/055962, filed on Mar. 9, 2018,and further claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to European PatentApplication No. 17165887.5, filed on Apr. 11, 2017, the entire contentsof each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

Some example embodiments relate to aerosol-generating devices (alsocalled vapor-generating devices) suitable for being used with more thanone consumable. In particular, some example embodiments relate to suchaerosol-generating devices configured to provide additional power.

Description of Related Art

Aerosol-generating devices (also called vapor-generating devices),including so-called electronic cigarettes, are known to include morethan one source configured to generate substances. For example, anevaporated liquid may be combined with heated tobacco. In anotherexample, two different liquids may be provided for selective parallelevaporation. Devices comprising more than one consumable may becomebulky when comprising a power source sufficiently large to provide thepower required. Devices with smaller power sources may require frequentrecharging. Some devices may be connected to a recharging system tocharge the power source in the device, while the device is in use.However, such devices are connected via cables to the power source andmay limit movement of an adult vaper using the device.

SUMMARY

According to some example embodiments, an aerosol-generating device, mayinclude a device housing including a first receiving chamber configuredto receive and accommodate a first consumable and a second receivingchamber configured to receive and accommodate a second consumable, aninternal power source within an internal space defined by the devicehousing, and a controller configured to control aerosolization of anaerosol-forming substrate of at least one consumable. Each consumable ofthe at least one consumable may be in a separate chamber of the firstreceiving chamber and the second receiving chamber. The second receivingchamber may include electrical contacts configured to be detachablyconnected to a separate power source based on the separate power sourcebeing in the second receiving chamber such that the electrical contactsprovide additional power from the separate power source to theaerosol-generating device.

The first receiving chamber may include additional electrical contactsconfigured to be detachably connected to the separate power source basedon the separate power source being in the first receiving chamber.

The first receiving chamber may include the first consumable.

The controller may be configured to control a supply of power from theinternal power source to a consumable in the first receiving chamber andcontrol a separate supply of power from the separate power source to theconsumable in the first receiving chamber.

The aerosol-generating device may further include a switch configured toselectively switch between supplying power to the first receivingchamber from the internal power source or from the separate powersource.

At least one receiving chamber of the first receiving chamber or thesecond receiving chamber may include a heater configured to heat aconsumable accommodated in the at least one receiving chamber.

At least one receiving chamber of the first receiving chamber or thesecond receiving chamber may include electrical contacts configured toconnect the internal power source to an atomizer of a consumable in theat least one receiving chamber.

Dimensions of the first receiving chamber and dimensions of the secondreceiving chamber may be equal.

Dimensions of the first consumable and dimensions of the separate powersource may be equal.

The electrical contacts configured to be detachably connected to theseparate power source in the second receiving chamber may be furtherconfigured to connect the internal power source to an atomizer of aconsumable based on the consumable being in the second receivingchamber.

The device housing may include a third receiving chamber configured toreceive and accommodate a third consumable, and the third receivingchamber may include electrical contacts configured to be detachablyconnected to the separate power source based on the separate powersource being in the third receiving chamber.

The first receiving chamber and the second receiving chamber may extendin parallel in the device housing.

The first receiving chamber and the second receiving chamber may be atopposite ends of the device housing.

The first receiving chamber and the second receiving chamber may bearranged in the device housing such that a longitudinal axis of thefirst receiving chamber and the second receiving chamber includes analignment angle.

The aerosol-generating device may further include three or morereceiving chambers arranged in a star-like pattern in the devicehousing, the three or more receiving chambers including the firstreceiving chamber and the second receiving chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments are further described with regard to the followingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device comprisingoppositely arranged consumable and separate battery, according to someexample embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a device, for example of FIG. 1 ,comprising two consumables, according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the device of FIG. 2 comprising aconsumable and a separate battery, according to some exampleembodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device comprisingtwo consumables and a battery arranged in parallel in the device,according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows a cross section through the device of FIG. 4 and an airflowthrough same kind of consumables, according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 6 shows a triangular-shaped device comprising cutouts for access totwo consumables and a battery arranged in a star shape in the device,according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows a cross section through the triangular-shaped device ofFIG. 6 and an airflow through same kind of consumables, according tosome example embodiments.

In the figures, the same reference numbers are used for the same orsimilar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will become more readily understood by reference tothe following detailed description of the accompanying drawings. Exampleembodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and shouldnot be construed as being limited to the example embodiments set forthherein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will be thorough and complete. Like reference numerals referto like elements throughout the specification.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willbe further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,”“includes,” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specifythe presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, and/orelements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or groupsthereof.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layeror intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when anelement is referred to as being “directly on”, “directly connected to”or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are nointervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers and/orsections, these elements, regions, layers and/or sections should not belimited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section.Thus, a first element, region, layer or section discussed below could betermed a second element, region, layer or section without departing fromthe teachings set forth herein.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”,“upper”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in operation in addition to the orientationdepicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures isturned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elementsor features would then be oriented “above” the other elements orfeatures. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Some example embodiments are described herein with reference tocross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variationsfrom the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, ofmanufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus,these example embodiments should not be construed as limited to theparticular shapes of regions illustrated herein, but are to includedeviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Forexample, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically,have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of implantconcentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted tonon-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantationmay result in some implantation in the region between the buried regionand the surface through which the implantation takes place. Thus, theregions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and theirshapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of adevice and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and this specification and will not beinterpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly sodefined herein.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, or as is apparent from thediscussion, terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating”or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action andprocesses of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device,that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical, electronicquantities within the computer system's registers and memories intoother data similarly represented as physical quantities within thecomputer system memories or registers or other such information storage,transmission or display devices.

As disclosed herein, the term “storage medium”, “computer readablestorage medium” or “non-transitory computer readable storage medium,”may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read onlymemory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory,magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memorydevices and/or other tangible machine readable mediums for storinginformation. The term “computer-readable medium” may include, but is notlimited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices,and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carryinginstruction(s) and/or data.

Furthermore, at least some portions of example embodiments may beimplemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode,hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. Whenimplemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the programcode or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in amachine or computer readable medium such as a computer readable storagemedium. When implemented in software, processor(s), processingcircuit(s), or processing unit(s) may be programmed to perform thenecessary tasks, thereby being transformed into special purposeprocessor(s) or computer(s).

When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in this specificationin connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associatednumerical value include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numericalvalue. The expression “up to” includes amounts of zero to the expressedupper limit and all values therebetween. When ranges are specified, therange includes all values therebetween such as increments of 0.1%.Moreover, when the words “generally” and “substantially” are used inconnection with geometric shapes, it is intended that precision of thegeometric shape is not required but that latitude for the shape iswithin the scope of the disclosure.

Some example embodiments provide aerosol-generating devices (also calledvapor-generating devices) that provide a user (also called an adultvaper) with a choice in using more than one or different consumables andthat provide additional power.

According to some example embodiments there is provided anaerosol-generating device comprising a device housing comprising a firstreceiving chamber for receiving and accommodating a first consumable anda second receiving chamber for receiving and accommodating a secondconsumable. The device further comprises an internal power sourcearranged in the device housing and a controller for controlling anaerosolization process of an aerosol-forming substrate comprised in aconsumable arrangeable in the first and in the second receiving chamber.For example, the controller may control a power supplied from theinternal power source, for example a power cell or a battery, to areceiving chamber. At least the second receiving chamber compriseselectrical contacts detachably connected to a separate power sourceaccommodated in the second receiving chamber. The separate power source,for example a power cell or a battery provides additional power to theaerosol-generating device via the electrical contacts.

The second receiving chamber is adapted (“configured”) to receive aconsumable for aerosol generation and is at the same time adapted toreceive and accommodate a separate power source. The separate powersource provides extra power to the device. Preferably, the separatepower source is used for powering a consumable accommodated in the firstreceiving chamber. However, the additional power source may also be usedfor recharging the internal power source of the device.

Preferably, the first receiving chamber comprises electrical contactsdetachably connectable to a separate power source when such a separatepower source is accommodated in the first receiving chamber. Theseparate power source via the electrical contacts provides additionalpower to the aerosol-generating device. Thus, advantageously, also thefirst receiving chamber is adapted to receive a consumable for aerosolgeneration and is at the same time adapted to receive and accommodate aseparate power source. Also, the separate power source in a firstreceiving chamber provides extra power to the device. Preferably, theseparate power source in the first receiving chamber is an additionalpower source for operating a consumable accommodated in the secondreceiving chamber. However, the separate power source may also be usedfor recharging the internal power source of the device.

The aerosol-generating device is a hand-held device. In the device two,preferably different, consumables may be accommodated in the device. Theconsumables are in a state ready to be used by the adult vaper withoutfurther preparation of the device. For example, no repositioning of amouthpiece is required if one of the consumables is selected for beingused. In particular a switching between different consumables, forexample between subsequent puffs (e.g., between separate draws of airthrough an airflow path of the aerosol-generating device by an adultvaper), may be available. In addition, the different receiving chambersmay individually be used only for specific types of consumables. Bythis, a contamination through different consumables may be prevented.

The aerosol-generating device provides an adult vaper with the choicewhich consumable accommodated in the receiving chamber shall be used.Depending on the type of consumables provided in the receiving chambersa desired consumer experience may be selected spontaneously. Forexample, a spontaneous selection may be made between a flavor-basedexperience or a nicotine-based experience.

However, an adult vaper may decide to use one receiving chamber only fordrawing air from the device and use a separate power source forprolonged use of the device. One receiving chamber may alsospontaneously be used to provide additional power, for example in caseof unintentional preliminary using up (“depletion”) of the internalpower source of the device.

In particular, the use of a separate, individual power source allows theadult vaper to use the device as usual without limitation of movement.In particular, no cables connecting the device to external power sourcesare present or needed. The separate power source is a wireless powersource in the meaning of not needing a cable. This is the case, forexample, with a separate power source in the form of a battery.

Preferably, no changes in size or in an overall appearance of the deviceare visible or required between use of the device with consumables onlyor with a separate power source instead.

Using a separate power source additionally to the internal power sourceof the device provides the adult vaper with a longer lasting devicewithout having to recharge the device. In addition, an adult vaper hascomplete freedom of movement without being limited by a connection to arecharging device.

The separate power source may be a disposable or a rechargeable powersource such as for example a disposable or rechargeable battery.

Preferably, the first receiving chamber comprises a first consumable,while the second receiving chamber comprises a separate power source.

The controller of the device is adapted to control a power supply fromthe internal power source to a consumable accommodated in the firstreceiving chamber. Preferably, the controller is adapted to control apower supply from the separate power source to a consumable accommodatedin the first receiving chamber. If consumable and separate power sourceare switched and accommodated in different receiving chambers, a powersupply is controlled to be directed accordingly from the power source tothe consumable.

Preferably, a separate power source is not used for recharging theinternal power source but directly to provide power to a receivingchamber or to a consumable arranged in said receiving chamber,respectively.

When being used as direct power supply, voltage, current and other powersource parameters may, for example, be the same as for the internalpower source. Separate power source requirement may also be reduced or aseparate power source may be less powerful and thus more cost efficient.

For example, a separate power source used for a recharging of theinternal power source needs a higher voltage output than a workingvoltage of the internal power source to allow a charging current toflow. Thus, a separate power source used for providing additional poweronly and direct use may have a same working or output voltage than theworking voltage of the internal power source. The separate power sourcemay also have a voltage lower than the working voltage of the internalpower source. For example, a separate power source may have a voltagebetween the working voltage and a low-voltage protection value of thedevice.

A switching between a power supply from the internal to a separate powersource may be performed and controlled, preferably, by the controller.For example, if the internal power source is used up and a low-voltageprotection value is reached, automatic or manual switch between a powersupply from the internal power source to a power supply from theseparate power source may be performed. An indicator may be provided inthe device to indicate that either a recharging of the device or theprovision or activation of a separate power source is required.

Accordingly, the device preferably comprises a switch adapted to switchbetween a power supply from the internal power source to a, for examplethe first, receiving chamber and a power supply from the separate powersource to that receiving chamber, for example, the first receivingchamber.

For aerosol generation, aerosol-forming substrate in a consumable may beatomized, for example by heat, vibration or other suitable means. If asubstrate is heated, this may be done by heating the substrate viaheating element in the consumable or by providing a heating element inthe device, preferably in the receiving chamber.

At least the first receiving chamber or the second receiving chamber maycomprise a heater for heating (“configured to heat”) a consumableaccommodated in the respective receiving chamber.

The internal power source may be coupled to a heating element in thedevice for heating aerosol-forming substrate in a consumableaccommodated in a receiving chamber.

A power source may also be coupled to electrical contacts in a receivingchamber, which electrical contacts are connectable to an atomizer, forexample a heater, in the consumable.

Advantageously, at least the first receiving chamber or the secondreceiving chamber comprises electrical contacts for connecting theinternal power source to an atomizer of a consumable accommodated in thefirst or in the second receiving chamber.

Preferably, the same electrical contacts in a receiving chamber are usedfor powering an atomizer of a consumable and for contacting a separatepower source.

Preferably, the first and the second receiving chamber compriseelectrical contacts for contacting an atomizer in a consumableaccommodated in the respective first and second receiving chamber.

Preferably, the electrical contacts detachably connected to the separatepower source in the second receiving chamber are the same electricalcontacts for connecting the internal power source to an atomizer of aconsumable when accommodated in the second receiving chamber.

A separate power source accommodated in a receiving chamber instead of aconsumable may be detachably coupled to the internal power source of thedevice. The separate power source may also be detachable coupleddirectly to a heating element in the device or to electrical contacts inanother receiving chamber for coupling the separate power source to anatomizer of a consumable accommodated in the other receiving chamberthan the separate power source.

Preferably, the separate power source is detachably coupled directly toa heating element in the device or to electrical contacts in anotherreceiving chamber for coupling the separate power source to an atomizerof a consumable accommodated in the other receiving chamber than theseparate power source.

A receiving chamber may comprise a heating element for heating aconsumable accommodated in the receiving chamber or may compriseelectrical contacts connectable to an external heating element of aconsumable for heating said consumable accommodated in the respectivereceiving chamber. A receiving chamber may comprise both, a heatingelement and electrical contacts for example for an external atomizer.This provides many options for different consumables to be used with theaerosol-generating device. This also facilitates use of the device bynot having to check if a receiving chamber is adapted for a specificconsumable or aerosolization option only.

Examples of consumables are, for example, but not limited to: liquidcontaining cartridges or tank systems (also called “reservoirs”)including or excluding an integrated aerosolization element such as forexample cartomizers (also called “cartridges,” a combined reservoir andatomizer); solid substrate containing consumables such as for exampletobacco containing plugs; solid substrate containing capsules, whereinthe solid substrate may be tobacco material, homogenized tobaccomaterial or substrate in powder form; vaporizable wax; tobacco sheetsthat are gathered or crimped.

In some example embodiments, a tobacco material may include materialfrom any member of the genus Nicotiana. In some example embodiments, thetobacco material includes a blend of two or more different tobaccovarieties. Examples of suitable types of tobacco materials that may beused include, but are not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, Burleytobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialtytobacco, dark tobacco, blends thereof and the like. The tobacco materialmay be provided in any suitable form, including, but not limited to,tobacco lamina, processed tobacco materials, such as volume expanded orpuffed tobacco, processed tobacco stems, such as cut-rolled orcut-puffed stems, reconstituted tobacco materials, blends thereof, andthe like. In some example embodiments, the tobacco material is in theform of a substantially dry tobacco mass.

One or all receiving chambers may accommodate different types ofconsumables, for example a liquid containing reservoir and a solidsubstrate containing consumable, preferably a solid tobacco substratecontaining consumable.

Different consumables may differ in shape, for example, in a diameter.Preferably, different consumables contain any one or a combination ofdifferent aerosol-forming substrate (also called a vapor-formingsubstrate), for example different tobacco material, different flavor,different nicotine content, different substance combination. Preferably,different consumables comprise a different way of being heated or ingeneral a different way the substance of the consumable is atomized.Different consumables may comprise both different aerosol-formingsubstrate and a different way of atomizing the substrate.

The receiving chambers may comprise consumables of a same kind, forexample liquid containing reservoirs. Preferably, the reservoirs thencontain a different liquid, for example having different flavor ordifferent substance combination.

The consumables may make use of different methods for releasingsubstances from the consumables. For example, when one consumable in thefirst receiving chamber comprises a heatable liquid, another consumablein the second receiving chamber may be a non-heated tobacco substrate ormay contain a non-heated but otherwise atomized substrate.

Preferably, the device comprises a recognition mechanism to recognize,for example, the presence or absence of a consumable, the presence orabsence of a separate power source or recognition of the type ofconsumable accommodated in a receiving chamber.

Preferably, the recognition mechanism is an electronic recognitioncoupled to the controller or directly integrated in the controller.

Preferably, dimensions of the first receiving chamber and dimensions ofthe second receiving chamber are equal. For example, both receivingchambers may have a same length or a same inner circumference, inparticular a same inner diameter. Preferably, both receiving chambershave a same length and a same inner circumference, in particular a sameinner diameter. Preferably, first and second receiving chamber arehollow cylinders having a circular cross section.

Preferably, dimensions of a consumable, for example of the firstconsumable, and dimensions of a separate power source are equal. Forexample, consumable and separate power source may have a same length, ormay have a same outer circumference, in particular a same diameter.

Preferably, a consumable and a separate power source have a samecircumference, in particular a same diameter.

Preferably, a consumable and a separate power source have a same lengthand a same circumference, in particular a same diameter. Preferably, aconsumable and a separate power source are cylinders having a circularcross section.

Preferably, consumable and separate power source have same dimensionsinsofar that electrical contacts of a separate power source andelectrical contacts of a consumable correspond or may contact the sameelectrical contacts of the same receiving chamber. Thus, preferably,geometry of consumable and separate power source are the same in aportion comprising electrical contacts for being connected to electricalcontacts of a receiving chamber.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise at least one mouthpiece. Themouthpiece in a closed position covers at least a receiving opening of areceiving chamber, for example the first receiving chamber. Themouthpiece in the closed position covers a consumable, for example, thefirst consumable accommodated in the first receiving chamber.

The at least one mouthpiece may be completely disassembled or may onlypartly be removable from the housing for gaining access to the receivingchamber.

The at least one mouthpiece may be connected to the device housing. Themouthpiece may, for example, be hingedly connected to the device housing(e.g., connected via a hinge). The mouthpiece may be detachablyconnected to the device housing. A mouthpiece may be connectable to thedevice housing to cover either the first or the second receivingchamber. The device may comprise several mouthpieces for coveringseveral, preferably all receiving chambers of the device.

The device housing of the aerosol-generating device may comprise a thirdor further receiving chamber for receiving and accommodating a third orfurther consumable. The third or further receiving chamber may compriseelectrical contacts detachably connectable to a separate power sourcewhen accommodated in the third or further receiving chamber. Theseparate power source via the electrical contacts provides additionalpower to the aerosol-generating device.

The third or further receiving chamber may comprise electrical contactsdetachably connectable to a consumable when accommodated in the third orfurther receiving chamber. The separate power source via the electricalcontacts may provide additional power to the consumable.

Preferably, the controller controls an aerosolization (also calledvaporization) process of an aerosol-forming substrate comprised in aconsumable arranged in the third or further receiving chamber.

Where more than two receiving chambers are provided in the devicehousing, more than one, for example two, receiving chambers may be usedfor accommodating a separate power source. Where more than two receivingchambers are provided in the device housing, for example all but onereceiving chamber may be used for accommodating a separate power source.Thus, for example, only one receiving chamber may be used foraccommodating a consumable, while all other receiving chambers are usedfor accommodating a separate power source.

The first receiving chamber and the second receiving chamber may bearranged side-by-side in the device housing. The first and the secondreceiving chamber are preferably arranged parallel and next to eachother in the device housing. The first and second receiving chamber maybe arranged in a line next to each other.

The first receiving chamber and the second receiving chamber may also bearranged at opposite ends of the device housing. The device may comprisea longitudinal device housing, for example a rod-like housing. The firstreceiving chamber may be arranged at and accessible from onelongitudinal end of the device and the second receiving chamber may bearranged at and accessible from the opposite longitudinal end of thedevice.

The receiving chambers may also be arranged in a closed packed manner.For example, three receiving chambers may be arranged in a triangle orfour receiving chambers may be arranged in the form of a parallelepiped.

In some example embodiments, each receiving chamber may be elongate andhave a longitudinal axis. The at least two receiving chambers may bearranged next to each other in the device housing with theirlongitudinal axes in parallel.

‘Arranged parallel’ is herein meant that a longitudinal axis of thereceiving chambers is arranged parallel. The longitudinal axis istypically arranged along an insertion direction of a consumable or of aseparate power source into the receiving chamber. Receiving chambersarranged parallel and next to each other have their receiving openingsdirecting in a same direction such that the receiving chambers may befilled from a same, for example top, direction.

The first and second receiving chamber may be arranged in the devicehousing such that the longitudinal axes of the two receiving chamberscollectively define (“include”) an alignment angle. The alignment angleis larger than 0 degree.

An alignment angle may be the same or may be different betweenneighboring receiving chambers. Thus, receiving chambers may be arrangedsymmetrically or asymmetrically in the device housing.

Preferably, an alignment angle is the same between all receivingchambers in the device.

Preferably, an alignment angle is between 30 degree and 180 degree fortwo receiving chambers, for example between 45 degree and 90 degree. Analignment angle of 180 degree with two receiving chambers corresponds toan opposite arrangement (opposite insertion directions) of the tworeceiving chambers in the device housing.

Preferably, three receiving chambers are arranged such as to include analignment angle of between 30 degree and 150 degree. Preferably, threereceiving chambers are arranged such as to include an alignment angle of120 degree between neighboring receiving chambers.

The receiving chambers may be arranged in a same plane. The receivingchambers may be arranged in different planes, for example in planesparallel to each other or in a cone-shaped manner.

Preferably, all receiving chambers lie in one plane.

Preferably, three or more receiving chambers are arranged in a star-likemanner in the device housing.

Preferably, the proximal ends of the first and second receiving chamberor the receiving openings of the first and second receiving chamber arearranged flush with a top or with an outer circumference of the devicehousing. If the receiving chambers are all arranged next to each otherin one line then the receiving openings of the receiving chambers arepreferably arranged flush with a top of the device housing. If thereceiving chambers are arranged including an alignment angle in betweenneighboring receiving chambers, then the receiving openings of thereceiving chambers are preferably arranged flush with a circumference ofthe device housing.

Preferably, the device housing comprises two or three receiving chambersfor receiving and accommodating two or three consumables. Preferably, atleast one of the two or three receiving chambers, more preferably, allof the two or three receiving chambers are adapted to receive a separatepower source.

A consumable or a separate power source may partially or entirely beinserted into a receiving chamber. A partial insertion facilitates theremoval of the consumable or of the separate power source after use.Thereby, an adult vaper may grip an extending portion of the consumableor of the separate power source.

Removal of a consumable or of a separate power source from a receivingchamber may also be facilitated by the provision of cutouts in thedevice housing that enable a gripping of the consumable or of theseparate power source. Preferably, two oppositely arranged cutouts areprovided in a receiving chamber.

The device housing may be provided with cutouts in an opening portion ofa receiving chamber.

All opening portions of all receiving chambers in the device may beprovided with cutouts.

FIG. 1 shows an aerosol-generating device comprising a tubular-shapeddevice housing 1 having a circular cross-section. The device housing 1comprises two receiving chambers 11 (e.g., a first receiving chamberconfigured to receive and accommodate a first consumable and a secondreceiving chamber configured to receive and accommodate a secondconsumable) in the form of hollow cylinders. The two receiving chambersare arranged at opposite longitudinal ends of the device housing 1 andare each accessible from said longitudinal ends. Only a first receivingchamber 11 is visible in FIG. 1 .

The device housing 1 comprises an internal power source 16 (not shown inFIG. 1 ), for example an internal battery, arranged in between the firstand second receiving chamber within an internal space defined by thedevice housing 1, as shown in at least FIG. 2 . The internal powersource 16 is coupled to a first consumable 31 accommodated in the firstreceiving chamber 11. Power from the internal power source is, forexample, provided via electrical contacts in the receiving chamber tothe first consumable 31 for heating or for generally atomizing (alsocalled “vaporizing”) an aerosol-forming substrate in the consumable 31.The internal power source is also connected to the second receivingchamber, preferably also via electrical contacts arranged in thereceiving chamber, for supplying power to a consumable when accommodatedin the second receiving chamber.

The first consumable 31, for example, a heatable aerosol-forming liquidcontaining cartridge such as a cartomizer where an atomization source isincorporated in the cartridge, is accommodated in the first receivingchamber. The first consumable 31 extends from the receiving chamber.

In FIG. 1 , an external battery 8 to be inserted and accommodated in thesecond receiving chamber is shown in a yet to be inserted state in FIG.1 . For additional power, the battery 8 may be inserted into the device.Energy from the battery may be provided to an atomizer, for example, aheating element in the consumable 31 accommodated in the first receivingchamber.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross section through an aerosol-generatinglongitudinal device comprising two oppositely arranged receivingchambers 11, 12, for example, the device shown in FIG. 1 .

The device comprises an internal power source 16 within an internalspace defined by the device housing 1 and a controller 17 configured tocontrol the internal power source and the device. In FIG. 2 a consumable31, 32 each is arranged in the two receiving chambers 11, 12. Thecontroller 17 may be configured to control aerosolization of anaerosol-forming substrate of the consumable 31 in the first receivingchamber 11 and the consumable 32 in the second receiving chamber 12. Thetwo consumables are of a same (“common”) type. The two consumables 31,32 are a heated liquid containing reservoir. An aerosol-forming liquidis contained in a hollow tubular shaped reservoir. The liquid issupplied by a wick material to a coil heater 60, where the liquid isheated and evaporated. In a central conduit 301 of the consumables, theevaporated liquid is led out of the receiving chamber.

The device housing 1 is provided with a centrally arranged opening inthe device housing side wall for an airflow 500 to enter the devicehousing in about a middle of the housing. The airflow then passes alongthe device housing into the direction of the opposite ends, to thedistal ends of the consumables 31, 32 and passes the consumables throughthe central conduits 301.

The two consumables preferably differ in terms of at least one ofnicotine strength, flavor or vapor volume. The two consumables 31, 32slightly extend from the device housing.

The receiving chambers 11, 12 comprise electrical contacts 61 forproviding (“configured to provide”) power from the power source 16 tothe coil heater 60 of the consumables 31, 32.

The controller 17 is adapted (“configured”) to control the heating ofaerosol-forming substrate in the consumables. In particular, thecontroller 17 is adapted to control an energy supply from the internalpower source 16 to the consumables 31, 32.

FIG. 3 shows the device of FIG. 2 , wherein the second consumable 32 isreplaced by a battery 8. Via the electrical contacts 61 in the secondreceiving chamber 12 and according wiring in the device, the battery 8is directly connected to the electrical contacts 61 of the firstreceiving chamber 11 for supplying power to the first consumable 31.

Restated, at least the second receiving chamber 12 includes electricalcontacts 61 configured to be detachably connected to a separate powersource (e.g., battery 8) based on the separate power source being in thesecond receiving chamber 12, such that the electrical contacts 61provide additional power from the separate power source (battery 8) tothe aerosol-generating device (e.g., to consumable 31 in the firstreceiving chamber 11 via the electrical contacts 61 in the firstreceiving chamber 11).

As shown in FIGS. 2-3 , the first receiving chamber 11 may includeadditional electrical contacts 61 configured to be detachably connectedto the separate power source (e.g., battery 8) based on the separatepower source being in the first receiving chamber 11.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3 , dimensions of the first receiving chamber 11 anddimensions of the second receiving chamber 12 may be equal. In additionor in alternative, dimensions of the first consumable 31 and dimensionsof the separate power source (e.g., battery 8) may be equal.

The first consumable 31 and the battery 8 slightly extend from thedevice housing.

The controller 17 is adapted to control a power supply from the battery8 to the first consumable 31. The controller 17 is also adapted toswitch from a power supply from the internal power source to the firstconsumable to a power supply from the battery 8 to the first consumable.

For example, the controller 17 may be configured to control a supply ofpower from the internal power source 16 to a consumable 31 in the firstreceiving chamber 11 and may be further configured to control a separatesupply of power from the separate power source (e.g., battery 8) in thesecond receiving chamber 12 to the consumable 31 in the first receivingchamber 11, in addition or in alternative to the supply of power fromthe internal power source 16.

To this end, the controller 17 and/or the aerosol-generating device mayinclude a switch configured to selectively switch between supplyingpower to the first receiving chamber 11 from the internal power source16 or from the separate power source (e.g., battery 8). For example, thecontroller 17 may be configured to selectively switch between supplyingpower to the first receiving chamber 11 from the internal power source16 or from the separate power source (e.g., battery 8).

As shown in FIG. 3 , the electrical contacts 61 in at least the firstreceiving chamber 11 and/or the second receiving chamber 12 may beconfigured to connect the internal power source 16 to an atomizer of aconsumable (e.g., first consumable 31) in the at least one receivingchamber (e.g., first receiving chamber 11).

As further shown in FIGS. 2-3 , the electrical contacts 61 configured tobe detachably connected to the separate power source (e.g., battery 8)in the second receiving chamber 12 may be further configured to connectthe internal power source 16 to an atomizer of a consumable (e.g.,consumable 32) based on the consumable being in the second receivingchamber 12.

In some example embodiments, at least one receiving chamber (e.g., firstreceiving chamber 11) of the first receiving chamber 11 or the secondreceiving chamber 12 includes a heater 99 configured to heat aconsumable accommodated in the at least one receiving chamber. In FIG. 3, the heater 99 is shown to be flush with the inner surface of thereceiving chamber 11, but it will be understood that the heater 99 maybe included in the receiving chamber in various configurations. Forexample, the heater 99 may be located at the base of receiving chamber11, distal from the opening of the receiving chamber 11 to the externalenvironment and proximate to the internal power source 16. In someexample embodiments, the heater 99 may be flush with, protrude from,and/or be recessed into one or more inner surfaces of the receivingchamber in which the heater 99 is included.

As may be seen by comparison of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , there is no changein size of the device by the replacement of the consumable by thebattery. Even if a battery were larger than a consumable or smaller, thedevice is still convenient for an adult vaper to be used and carried.

In some example embodiments, including the example embodiments shown inat least FIG. 4 , the device housing 1 includes a third receivingchamber 10 configured to receive and accommodate a third consumable, andthe third receiving chamber 10 includes electrical contacts 61configured to be detachably connected to a separate power source (e.g.,battery 8) based on the separate power source being in the thirdreceiving chamber 10.

The aerosol-generating device shown in FIG. 4 comprises a device housing1 comprising three tubular shaped receiving chambers 10, 11, 12accommodating two consumables 31, 32 and a separate battery 8. Theconsumables 31, 32 as well as the battery 8 are tubular shaped and arecompletely inserted in the receiving chambers 10, 11, 12 chambers whenaccommodated therein. The proximal ends of the consumables as well as ofthe external battery are arranged flush with the top of the devicehousing 1.

The two consumables 31, 32 as well as the separate battery 8 arearranged parallel next to each other and in one line in the devicehousing 1. The device housing has a rectangular shape with roundededges.

Restated, at least the first receiving chamber 11 and the secondreceiving chamber 12 extend in parallel in the device housing 1. Incontrast, as shown in at least FIGS. 1-3 , the first receiving chamber11 and the second receiving chamber 12 are at opposite ends of thedevice housing 1.

Preferably, the consumables 31, 32 are aerosol-generating articlescomprising aerosol-forming substrate. The consumables 31, 32 may bedifferent types of consumables or may be the same type of consumables.The first consumable 31 may, for example, be a heatable aerosol-formingliquid containing cartridge, for example a cartomizer where anatomization source is incorporated in the cartridge. The secondconsumable 32 may, for example, be a heatable tobacco materialcontaining article.

The receiving chamber walls of the receiving chambers 10, 11, 12 eachcomprise two opposite and longitudinally arranged slits 25. Theconsumables 31, 32 and the separate battery 8 may be removed from thereceiving chambers by gripping the consumable and the battery via theslits 25.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a cross section through an aerosol-generatingdevice comprising two consumables and a separate battery 8 arranged inparallel, for example an embodiment of the device as shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 5 also shows an example of airflows passing through the twoconsumables.

The device housing 1 comprise three receiving chambers arranged inparallel, two consumables 31, 32 and a separate battery 8 accommodatedin the receiving chambers, a power source 16 and a controller 17 forcontrolling the power source and the device.

In FIG. 5 the two consumables 31, 32 are of a same type. The twoconsumables are a heated liquid containing cartridge. An aerosol-formingliquid is contained in a hollow tubular shaped reservoir. The liquid issupplied by a wick material to a coil heater 60, where the liquid isheated and evaporated. In a central conduit 301 of the consumables, theevaporated liquid is led out of the receiving chamber.

The two cartomizers preferably differ in terms of at least one ofnicotine strength, flavor or vapor volume.

The receiving chambers 10, 11 comprise electrical contacts (not shown)for providing power from the internal power source 16 to the coil heater60 of the consumables 31, 32.

The receiving chamber 12 comprises electrical contacts (not shown) forproviding additional power from the external battery 8 to the device.Preferably, the electrical contacts of the third receiving chamber 12are connected to the electrical contacts of the first and of the secondreceiving chambers 10, 11 to directly provide power from the externalbattery 8 to the coil heater 60 of the consumables 31, 32.

Preferably, the consumables 31, 32 are heated individually and only theone consumable an adult vaper is drawing air on provides substances toan airflow 500 to be drawn by the adult vaper.

An airflow 500 enters the device through one opening at a distal end ofthe device (bottom wall), passes through the device housing 1 and mayenter the distal end of a receiving chamber. The airflow 500 passes thereceiving chamber and through the consumable accommodated in thereceiving chamber. Thereby the airflow 500 picks up evaporatedsubstances.

The airflow 500 may then pass through a mouthpiece (not shown), which isaligned with the respective consumable and receiving chamber.

The controller 17 of the device is configured to provide required powerto a coil heater 60. The controller is also configured to control powerfrom the separate battery 8 to the coil heaters 60.

A detection system in the device may be integrated or connected to thecontroller 17 and may recognize the type of consumable accommodated inthe receiving chambers and the presence of a battery in the receivingchamber. For example, next to an electronic recognition, a touch sensormay be provided in the receiving chamber for recognition of the presenceor absence of a consumable or a battery.

Wiring and control of the device may be configured such that also aconsumable may be accommodated and operated in the third receivingchamber. Wiring and control of the device may be configured such thatalso a separate battery may be accommodated in any one of the first orsecond receiving chambers 10, 11 for providing additional power.

In particular, a separate battery may be provided in receiving chamber12 as well as in one of the other receiving chambers 10, 11.

In some example embodiments, including the example embodiments shown inat least FIGS. 6-7 , at least the first receiving chamber 11 and thesecond receiving chamber 12 are arranged in the device housing 1 suchthat a longitudinal axis of the first receiving chamber 11 and thesecond receiving chamber 12 collectively define an alignment angle(e.g., 120 degrees as shown in at least FIGS. 6-7 ).

FIG. 6 shows a triangular-shaped housing 1 with two consumables 31, 32and a separate battery 8. The housing is symmetric and the consumablesand the battery are regularly arranged in a star-shaped manner in thedevice housing 1. The longitudinal axis of the consumables and of thebattery each include (“collectively define”) an angle (“alignmentangle”) of 120 degree.

The receiving openings of the receiving chambers 10, 11, 12 are arrangedat the three corners of the triangle forming the device housing 1. Thus,the receiving chambers 10, 11, 12 are arranging in a star-like patternin the device housing 1.

Each of the receiving chambers 12 are provided with two opposite andlongitudinally arranged slits 25. The three receiving chambers arearranged in the form of a star in the device housing 1.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross section through an aerosol-generatingdevice comprising two consumables 31, 32 and a separate battery 8arranged in a regular star shape, for example an embodiment of thedevice as shown in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 7 also shows an example of airflows passing through the twoconsumables.

The device housing 1 comprises three receiving chambers arranged in astar shape including an angle of 120 degree between each of thelongitudinal axis of the receiving chambers. The device housing 1 alsocomprises two consumables 31, 32 and an additional battery 8accommodated in the receiving chambers, an internal power source 16 anda controller 17 for controlling the power source and the device.

The device housing is provided with a central air inlet arranged in thecenter of the triangle on one large side of the device housing 1. Anairflow 500 entering the device through this central air inlet passesradially into the direction of two corners of the triangle. Thereby theairflow passes through a consumable accommodated in the receivingchamber.

The airflow 500 may also pass through a mouthpiece aligned with therespective consumable and receiving chamber (not shown).

In the embodiment of FIG. 7 power source 16 and controller 17 arebasically arranged in a layer parallel to the receiving chambers andparallel to one large side of the device housing 1.

In FIG. 7 the two consumables 31, 32 are of a same type. The twoconsumables are a heated liquid containing cartridge. An aerosol-formingliquid is contained in a hollow tubular shaped reservoir. The liquid issupplied by a wick material to a coil heater 60, where the liquid isheated and evaporated. In a central conduit 301 of the consumables, theevaporated liquid is led out of the receiving chamber. The twocartomizers preferably differ in terms of at least one of nicotinestrength, flavor or vapor volume.

The receiving chambers 10, 11, 12 comprise electrical contacts (notshown). In the arrangement of FIG. 7 , receiving chambers 10, 11comprise electrical contacts for receiving power from the internal powersource 16 or from the battery 8 to the coil heaters 60 of theconsumables 31, 32. The receiving chamber 12 comprises electricalcontacts for providing power from the battery 8 to any one or bothconsumables 31, 32 in the receiving chambers 10, 11.

The controller 17 of the device is configured to provide required powerto the coil heater 60 of the consumables.

A detection system in the devices may be integrated or connected to thecontroller 17 and may recognize the type of consumable accommodated inthe receiving chambers or the presence of a battery. For example, nextto an electronic recognition, a touch sensor may be provided in thereceiving chamber to generate signals that may be processed by aprocessor included in the detection system to enable the processor todetermine (“recognize”) the presence or absence of a consumable or of abattery 8 based on processing one or more signals received at theprocessor from the touch sensor.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An aerosol-generating device, comprising: adevice housing defining a first receiving chamber, a second receivingchamber, and an internal space, the first receiving chamber beingconfigured to receive and accommodate a first consumable, the secondreceiving chamber being configured to receive and accommodate a secondconsumable and a separate power source, the second receiving chamber andthe first receiving chamber being in coaxial alignment; an internalpower source within the internal space defined by the device housing,the internal power source being configured to provide power to theaerosol-generating device, the internal power source being between thefirst receiving chamber and the second receiving chamber, the internalpower source being coaxially aligned with the first receiving chamberand the second receiving chamber; and a controller configured to controlaerosolization of an aerosol-forming substrate of at least oneconsumable of the first consumable and the second consumable, whereinthe separate power source is independent of the internal power source,and the second receiving chamber is configured to receive one of thesecond consumable or the separate power source at a time, such that thesecond consumable and the separate power source are exchangeable withinthe second receiving chamber, wherein the first consumable is housed inthe first receiving chamber and the second consumable is housed in thesecond receiving chamber, wherein the second receiving chamber includeselectrical contacts configured to be detachably connected to theseparate power source based on the separate power source being in thesecond receiving chamber such that when the separate power source isreceived within the second receiving chamber, the electrical contactsprovide additional power from the separate power source to theaerosol-generating device, and wherein the internal power source isconnected to power both the first consumable and the second consumablewhen the first consumable is housed in the first receiving chamberconcurrently with the second consumable being housed in the secondreceiving chamber.
 2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim1, wherein the first receiving chamber includes additional electricalcontacts configured to be detachably connected to the separate powersource based on the separate power source being in the first receivingchamber.
 3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, whereinthe controller is configured to control a supply of power from theinternal power source to the first consumable in the first receivingchamber, and control a separate supply of power from the separate powersource to the first consumable in the first receiving chamber.
 4. Theaerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein: the controlleris configured to selectively switch between supplying power to the firstreceiving chamber from the internal power source or from the separatepower source.
 5. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1,wherein at least one receiving chamber of the first receiving chamber orthe second receiving chamber includes a heater configured to heat aconsumable accommodated in the at least one receiving chamber.
 6. Theaerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein at least onereceiving chamber of the first receiving chamber or the second receivingchamber includes electrical contacts configured to connect the internalpower source to a heater of a consumable in the at least one receivingchamber.
 7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, whereindimensions of the first receiving chamber and dimensions of the secondreceiving chamber are equal.
 8. The aerosol-generating device accordingto claim 1, wherein dimensions of the first consumable and dimensions ofthe separate power source are equal.
 9. The aerosol-generating deviceaccording claim 1, wherein the electrical contacts configured to bedetachably connected to the separate power source in the secondreceiving chamber are further configured to connect the internal powersource to a heater of the second consumable based on the secondconsumable being in the second receiving chamber.
 10. Theaerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the firstreceiving chamber and the second receiving chamber extend in parallel inthe device housing.
 11. The aerosol-generating device according to claim1, wherein the first receiving chamber and the second receiving chamberare at opposite ends of the device housing.